Edison boys basketball escapes with win over Esperanza in CIF-SS playoffs

Chargers nearly blow big lead after star player Derick Johnson fouls out late in Division 2 first-round game

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The Edison boys basketball team jumped out to a big lead in its CIF-SS Division 2 playoff game against Esperanza, but nearly blew it after star player Derick Johnson fouled out late in the fourth quarter. The Chargers held on for a 79-76 victory, but coach Josh Beaty was frustrated with his team's late-game mistakes.

Why it matters

This game highlights the challenges high school basketball teams face in the playoffs, where a single player's foul trouble can dramatically shift the momentum of a game. Edison's ability to withstand Esperanza's late comeback attempt shows the Chargers' resilience, but also raises questions about their discipline and ability to close out tight games.

The details

Edison dominated early, with Derick Johnson scoring 33 points, including 13 from the free throw line. The Chargers built a 23-point lead in the third quarter, but Johnson fouled out with under 3 minutes remaining. Esperanza then mounted a furious comeback, cutting the deficit to just 2 possessions, but couldn't complete the rally as Edison held on for the win.

  • The game was played on Wednesday, February 11, 2026 in the first round of the CIF-SS Division 2 playoffs.
  • Johnson fouled out with just under 3 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter.

The players

Derick Johnson

The star player for Edison, who scored 33 points before fouling out late in the game. Johnson has signed to play college basketball at Cal State Dominguez Hills.

Josh Beaty

The head coach of the Edison boys basketball team, who was frustrated with his team's late-game mistakes that nearly cost them the victory.

Mason Moore

A player for the Esperanza Aztecs, who hit a key 3-pointer late to keep his team within striking distance.

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What they’re saying

“I've never experienced a game where I'm relieved that I've won but I'm more angry, more upset. I think we'll live and learn.”

— Josh Beaty, Edison head coach (ocregister.com)

“When they got down, they really started being more physical. They really started going after the boards. They just started destroying us on the glass.”

— Josh Beaty, Edison head coach (ocregister.com)

“That's how it's been during league, where they triple-team you in box-and-one and box-and-two, so I learned that they're just going to foul. So, I learned that I have to knock down my free throws, because that's very crucial at that point.”

— Derick Johnson (ocregister.com)

What’s next

Edison will host Valencia of Valencia in a second-round playoff game on Friday.

The takeaway

This close call for the higher-seeded Edison team shows the unpredictable nature of the high school basketball playoffs, where a single player's foul trouble can dramatically shift the momentum of a game. Edison will need to shore up its late-game discipline and free throw shooting if it hopes to make a deep playoff run.